9 Potentially Toxic Metals That You Might Want To Avoid

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There are many substances out there that most people know are extremely dangerous, such as carcinogenic chemicals and poisons. However, that is not always the case when it comes to a wide selection of metals, many of which people use on a daily basis.

Do you want to know what these potentially toxic and toxic metals are? If that is the case, then you are in the right place. In this article, you will find a list of such metals, starting with aluminum, zinc, and copper to arsenic, mercury, lead, and beryllium. Check it out and educate yourself on the topic!

Aluminum

Aluminum is not a very good conductor of heat and electricity. In spite of that, it is used in the production of many things, such as cooking utensils, cans, antiperspirants, and deodorants. It is also used to make foil for cooking and baking.

However, aluminum is found in many common foods, such as chocolate, soda, and fresh fruit. Due to the fact that it is very prevalent in our environment, you would not be able to avoid it completely. However, you should still do your best in that regard.

Why is that the case? This particular metal is a known neurotoxin, which might be linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. You can find out why aluminum is bad for your health by taking a look at a number of different articles on the topic!

Zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient. Still, it is worth noting that you should be very careful when it comes to how much zinc you consume on a regular basis. If you end up consuming way too much, it might end up causing nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and headaches.

Copper

Copper is vital for the proper functioning of both your cardiovascular system and your immune system. It can be found in cosmetics and jewelry, too.

However, there are quite a few things that you need to avoid doing in relation to copper. First of all, long-term exposure to copper might end up causing irritation of the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.

In addition to that, high uptakes of copper might cause kidney and liver damage. In the most severe cases, it might result in death!

Arsenic

Arsenic is used to produce steel, glass, conductors, paint, pesticides, and herbicides. Still, it does have its downsides, such as its potential to cause various types of cancer. Taking this into consideration, you should avoid arsenic at all costs.

Mercury

Mercury is a toxic metal that can be found in the environment in its elemental form or in its compound form. It is present in old thermometers, as well as old dental fillings and compact fluorescent lights.

In this day and age, most companies try their best to avoid using mercury. For example, thermometers are no longer filled with mercury, and dental fillings are made with other, safer materials. It should come as no surprise, as mercury exposure at very high levels can harm your immune system, lungs, kidneys, heart, and brain.

Lead

Lead can be found in pipes, paint, car batteries, toys, and jewelry. Nevertheless, it is pretty toxic. Depending on the level of exposure, it might cause fatigue, headaches, and memory loss. If the level of exposure was extremely high, it might cause severe damage to your brain and your nervous system!

Nickel

Nickel is an extremely toxic element that has been linked to the development of lung disease and allergic reactions. It has been found in many items, including perfumes, dyes, cosmetics products like lipstick and lip balm, cookware, and batteries.

Cadmium

Cadmium is a toxic metal that has been linked to the development of lung cancer and kidney disease. It has been found in cigarette smoke and many types of paint. Fortunately, if you do not smoke and do not specialize in painting, you should be able to avoid it with ease.

Beryllium

Beryllium exposure can result in chronic beryllium disease, a fatal lung condition that tends to affect workers involved in metalwork. This disease causes inflammation in your lungs. As a result, you have difficulty in breathing, keep on coughing, and find yourself losing weight.

In Conclusion

These are a few of the most common toxic metals. However, there are many more out there that you need to stay away from if you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers that they might pose.

Ideally, you should educate yourself on the topic. You might not be able to avoid every single toxic and potentially toxic metal in existence. Still, it will help you limit your exposure to such metals, which is definitely going to be pretty beneficial in the long run!

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.